A big part of our mission to empower Filipinos through entrepreneurship is directed towards mothers, aunts, grandmothers, and other women in the society. For the past 10 years, we have been honoring and recognizing successful and inspiring Filipina entrepreneurs through our annual Filipina Entrepreneurship Summit or FES.

FES is the platform we use to showcase creative business ideas, innovative business models, and well-thought of business strategies made by women entrepreneurs who have led their respective enterprises with grit and passion.

Looking back at those years, I was reminded of how many women entrepreneurs have been honored by Go Negosyo. More than 100 Pinays have been recognized as Inspiring Filipina Entrepreneur and more than 300 women have been part of the program as they have shared their entrepreneurial journey to thousands of participants.

More than the women awardees, panelists and speakers, imagine the number of participants in the audience who have been touched and encouraged to pursue their goals. Every year, we are averaging 5,000 delegates who are all ears during the summit.

As we celebrate its tenth run this year, let me share with you some highlights of the past Filipina Entrepreneurship Summits:

Joey Concepcion’s 100 Inspiring Stories of Small Entrepreneurs was launched during the Filipina Entrepreneurship Summit 2010. In photo are the featured entrepreneurs together with then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Esther Vibal of Vibal Publishing received the award from Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship Joey Concepcion together with President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Myrna Yao, and Kat Luna-Abelarde.

Business delegates of India and Philippines together with President Rodrigo Duterte.

NEW DELHI, India — Since my appointment as Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship, I try to attend the presidential state visits as a member of the official delegation of President Rodrigo Duterte. But I always take my own flight as the adviser to the president, as I do not want the government to spend for me since all my work is pro bono.

I joined President Duterte, his economic team, and the business delegates during the state visit in India for the ASEAN-India Special Commemorative Summit and India’s Republic Day. I was glad to be part of the delegation as we strengthened our partnership with India.

We just finished the round-table meeting with President Duterte, Indian businessmen and our trade team led by DTI Sec. Ramon Lopez and Usec. Nora Terrado, who both did an amazing job in this engagement. This is the first time in 10 years that a Philippine president has visited India.

Joining the delegation are Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce Philippines president Rex Daryanani and ASEAN-India Business Council head Johnny Chotrani. Rex is a dynamic leader who has harnessed the Indian Chamber well, which resulted in a partnership signing with the Indian Chamber of Commerce.

In his speech, President Duterte encouraged the Indian business community to invest in the Philippines. Many members of the business sector are already doing business in our country. Most of them are, in fact, in the BPO industry. Indians are also in the pharmaceutical industry and supply most of the generic drugs in the Philippines. The president was so engaged in the discussion that his team had to remind him that his plane was ready to take off. You could really sense his passion as a leader, just like India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Prime Minister Modi graced the second day of our ASEAN Business and Investment Summit last Nov. 13, 2017, where he talked about the impressive programs of India for MSME development. Indian Ambassador to the Philippines Jaideep Mazumdar was instrumental in his participation.

I was also surprised to receive the Padma Shri award, India’s fourth highest civilian award, during the state visit. The award was conferred to commemorate the silver anniversary of India-ASEAN partnership. I was not informed about this prior to the trip, so it came as a big surprise. One individual from each ASEAN country received the recognition and I am honored to be the representative of the Philippines.

Members of the Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce Philippines and Indian Chamber of Commerce posed for a photo with their fist bump, a trade mark shot of the Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte.

PA Joey Concepcion shared a lovely breakfast with former House Speaker and Congressman Sonny Belmonte. PA Joey suggested that Cong. Belmonte should hire someone to write a book about his life and leadership.

“We wish for a year of peace, prosperity and progress for the Philippines and our countrymen.” – Josephine Gotianun Yap, Filinvest

For 2018, these are my wishes: more selflessness and peace in the world, more hopes realized, more efforts rewarded, more Filipinos with a better quality of life. For my children, nieces and nephews, I hope for them to find and keep purpose and to live lives that will contribute to the greater good.” – Alice Eduardo, Sta. Elena Construction and Development Corporation

“I wish for good weather and no calamities. Bountiful harvest for the farmers and no wasted resources of the government to alleviate calamities.” – Winston Uy, Universal Leaf Philippines

“My wish is for our country to continue the path towards prosperity. Hoping more small and medium companies will benefit from the entrepreneurship programs of Go Negosyo. Praying the anti red tape bill will take off so more businesses could get permits instantly and generate jobs for our countrymen. Lastly, may our Lord continue to be gracious to all of us and let there be peace in our country.” – Cecilio Pedro, Lamoiyan Corporation

“In the hope that 2018 represents at least the start of a turning point, I offer these wishes. (1) Everyone in the world stand up for the rule of law; (2) the well-being of humanity keeps getting better. People live well and freely. We devote 2% or more of our philanthropic dollars to climate change; (3) democracy thrives. Creeping authoritarianism remains a major threat; (4) everyone finds an escape. I hope all of us find ways to escape our exhausting political times as well as our all-consuming digital technologies and enjoy ourselves. Take advantage of cheap, delicious and healthy food. Test drive a semi-autonomous car to get a feel of the future. And when in doubt, spend time with family and friends; and lastly, (5) the Philippines is a wonderful country in which the values of our Constitution are lived actively. A country that is strong and economically successful, in which people have work or thriving business more than ever.” – Marife Zamora, Convergys Philippines

“My wish for 2018: To find at least 6 more High Impact Entrepreneurs in the Philippines that Endeavor can support by giving them access to mentoring, markets, capital and talent.” – Manny Ayala, Endeavor Philippines

“For 2018, I am hopeful that we can work together as a country to uplift the lives of the marginalized. What is heartening is that everyone is helping another – whether relative, scholar, a neighbor or friend. We are a generous and loving people and I pray that we are able to progress further as a nation through education, business, and hard work.” – Patty Chilip, Standard Insurance

“My sincerest wish for 2018 is for our country to FINALLY get its act together. For our people, especially those in power, to put the country’s welfare before selfish personal interests to think long term versus short term, & to actively initiate & participate in programs to improve the lives of those still left behind. On a personal basis, I pray for continued good health for truly, health is wealth.” – Annabella Wisniewski, Raintree Group

“My wishes this 2018 are to have peace in the world, continuous economic growth for our country and may God protect our country from any disaster.” – Myrna Yao, Richprime Global

“For my industry, may the establishment of the Philippine Coffee Council bring all stakeholders together to realize the goals of the Philippine Coffee Road Map. For the country, may peace prevail and our economy grow even stronger and its impact felt all the way down to the grassroots level.” – Steve Benitez, Bo’s Coffee

“2018 will open doors to young entrepreneurs as big brothers and big sisters will share their life’s experiences of success and failures in business. It will be an eye and heart opener for both young and old. It will be a year of sharing and empowerment.” – Arsenio Barcelona, Harbest Corporation

“Less politics, more business. Less talk, more work. Less finger-pointing, more hand-holding. Less sickness, more health. Less greed, more gratitude. Less war, more peace. Problems will come and we will always be tested, but I pray that we will be given the strength and grace to survive our trials. I wish all prosperity and success in 2018.” – Cong. Arthur Yap, House of Representatives

“I continuously pray for good health, strength and wisdom for our family. For CDO Foodsphere, I wish nothing else but a solid foundation of growth and continued success not only for the upliftment of the lives of our stakeholders but co-workers as well. And for the country, my wish is for the Philippines to be able to move forward with leaders who are genuinely committed to serve our countrymen.” – Corazon Dayro-Ong, CDO Foodsphere

“As we look ahead to a new year, I wish we could all work together to bridge our differences and volunteer to find meaningful ways to create lasting impact in our poor communities and in our country.” – Atty. Gianna Montinola, Far Eastern University

“May 2018 be a year of remarkable prosperity for businesses across diverse industries and homegrown enterprises nationwide, especially the SMEs that are ready to claim their stake on the immense growth potential in e-commerce. We live in such an exciting time when disruptors are welcomed and seen as opportunity for even the most established brands to think on their feet and cope to improve and thrive.” – Yati Abdullah, DHL Express Philippines

“I look forward to the coming of the ‘ Golden era for the MSME’s.’ When the government through DTI, then the private sector lead by PCCI and Go Negosyo converge and finally put their act together to built a sustainable strong middle class, that will bring us eventually to a ‘first world status.” – Samie Lim, Blims Furniture

“My wish for 2018: To achieve sustainable prosperity and peace in the Philippines by creating inclusive wealth through social entrepreneurship, promoting a patriotic market for top quality Philippine made products, developing our supply chain in self-reliant and self-sufficient rural farming communities, raising the new middle-class from the aspiring and hardworking Filipinos from the BOP (Bottom of the Pyramid). May we be one heart and one mind in building a prosperous nation through caring and sharing that truly honors God who gave us the privilege of being Filipino.” – Tony Meloto, Gawad Kalinga

“As our economy grows from good to great, may PCCI be an instrument in uplifting the plight of Filipino businesses in order to serve as big brothers to our small brothers. the MSMEs. Hence, create a stronger middle class.” – Alegria Limjoco, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry

“For 2018, I foresee that 2018 will be the year that Philippine MSME’s will finally start to bloom, expand, and level up to provide the much-needed inclusive growth. Picture this, if the MSME’s grow, millions of jobs and trade opportunities will open up, and fellow Filipinos won’t need to go abroad because the opportunities are right here in our own land! Families won’t be separated, the next generation will be well-guided by both their parents, and so on. And we Filipinos will gain the reputation, dignity, and pride we deserve, not a nation of servers, but a nation of builders! 2018 will definitely bring us closer to our common dream of bringing prosperity to all Filipinos especially with the support of President Duterte through the efforts of PA Joey and Sec. Mon Lopez. That’s why the Philippine Franchise Association (PFA) is strengthening its role to the country by developing dynamic programs to assist MSME’s in the restaurant, retail, and service sectors level up and grow thru franchising. Mabuhay and wishing a prosperous new year to all Filipino entrepreneurs!” – Richard Sanz, Philippine Franchise Association

“What a wonderful journey we find ourselves in, and it can only get better! May our Leaders be gifted with the mental tenacity and physical resilience to shepherd our people towards sustainable progress. May our children – our future – be raised with a deeper sense of “malasakit” — Global Awareness, Love for Country, and Empathy towards others. May we all find our life-purpose and have the courage to live it. And that in all things, God May Be Glorified.” – Kat Luna-Abelarde, PLDT Global Corporation

“I wish the Filipino youth will be globally competitive in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) relevant workforce. All Philippine schools adopt robotics integrated education in the grass roots level. And, I continue to spread the importance of the 5 P’s (Positive, Proactive, Physically fit, Passionate, and Prayerful) to the success in personal and business challenges.” – Mylene Abiva, FELTA

“I wish for more branches to open for BINALOT in country and abroad. I wish that the the country continuous to enjoy the economic progress that we are currently experiencing. And that more foreign investments come with the help of our Super Secretary Mon Lopez , PA Joey and the Go Negosyo community.” – Rommel Juan, Binalot

“Wishing for good health and lots of love all around!” – Former Trade Secretary Greg Domingo

“I wish companies will allow their employees to teach in school or do community service during office time.” – Josiah Go, Mansmith and Fielders

“For 2018 my wish is true PEACE and PROGRESS for every family, for our communities and for our country. I pray that as Filipinos, we will put our love for country in action, by building inclusive businesses, promoting equitable practices, and showing genuine love for neighbor. As an educator, I hope that more youth entrepreneurs will make a difference for our country!” – Joy Abaquin, Multiple Intelligence School International

“I wish for our country’s continued phenomenal economic growth and for the alleviation of the lives of our less fortunate Filipino brothers and sisters. My wish for my children is for them to continue to appreciate the love of God and that they would be strengthened by it and for them to pass on this love to the people they encounter everyday through their kindness and humility.” – Federico Moreno, Xcess Salon

“My wishes include: much more activity under Build Build Build (BBB), government’s massive P8.1 trillion medium-term infrastructure program that has been likened to a battleship that will be hard to stop once it has gathered momentum; passage of Package 2 of the Duterte Administration’s Comprehensive Tax Reform Program. Package 2 seeks to lower the corporate income tax rate (CIT), currently at 30% and higher than the statutory tax rates in most ASEAN economies; and moderate inflation pressures that will give the BSP more freedom to manage domestic and external risks, including tightening global financial conditions expected to accompany a wider current account deficit. – Romy Bernardo, Lazaro Bernardo Tiu / RL Bernardo Associates

“I for one would like for 2018 to pass more slowly, so that I can truly appreciate and think about, learn and understand each experience, each encounter, each moment – this to me is about making LIFE more intentional and meaningful. A friend shared with me this quote from John Maxwell, “Learning to write is learning to think. You don’t know anything clearly unless you can state it in writing.” So I’m committed to going back to journaling this year. Something that I used to do, but admittedly have not been able to over the past year.” – Glenn Yu, Seaoil Philippines

“My wish is that the country will continue to prosper and improve the lives of people living in the poverty line. Peace in the universe and our nation. Our President continue to be guided by the good Lord to help our country move leaps and bounds.” – Rommel Sytin, Foton Motor Philippines

The ASEAN chairmanship is successful because of the partnership between the private and the public sectors. For us in the ASEAN Business Advisory Council, we have partnered with government agencies and private companies in order to stage the conferences and the meetings we had for the past year.

Last week, we had a simple appreciation and thanksgiving night to celebrate the achievement we had for the 50th ASEAN year. We are glad to host a dinner for our government officials and partner entrepreneurs who are our allies in achieving prosperity for all.

For me, the Philippine chairmanship is one of the best chairmanships of ASEAN. Although we are considered the little brother of APEC, we are glad to have lived up to the expectation.

The chairmanship has ended but the work still continues. It is now time to turn our visions and plans into reality. The theme “Prosperity for All” will not remain a theme; it must be implemented.

I know that moving forward, the relationships we’ve fostered with the government and the large conglomerates will be beneficial for all—especially for important projects such as infrastructure development. Many of those who have rallied behind the call for shared prosperity will continue to join us through the many projects Go Negosyo has lined up in the coming years. Truly, the closer ties between the public and private sector will blossom as we all work together to bring inclusive growth and development in the country.

Executive Secretary Bingbong Medialdea said in his speech, “With a lot of hard work and support from different sectors of the government, as well as the private sector, through the well-coordinated efforts, we can all be proud to say that we have hosted the 30th ASEAN and the 50th Founding Anniversary of the ASEAN successfully, safely, efficiently, and with dignity and elegance.”

President Rodrigo Duterte and ASEAN Business Advisory Council Chairman Joey Concepcion together with the 143 ASEAN Mentors who pledged their commitment to the ASEAN Mentorship for Entrepreneurs Network.

Planning and organizing the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit was a taxing yet one of the best experiences in my life. The grueling months of hard work all paid off as we all welcome the delegates on our first day last November 12, 2017.

We started inviting all the state leaders in the first quarter of the year and all these months of coordination with their embassies made it possible for five out of 18 state leaders to attend. Even the attendance of business leaders and entrepreneurship advocates made the ABIS 2017 truly an insightful conference.

All these would have not been possible without the support of Tessie Sy-Coson, George Barcelon, and all the members of the ASEAN Business Advisory Council. I also would like to thank the Go Negosyo advocates who have been with us since 2005, members of the government, our mentors, and of course, my family.

Here are some photos I wish to share with you.

ASEAN Business Advisory Council Chairman Joey Concepcion launched the ASEAN Mentorship for Entrepreneurs Network which will create the largest pool of mentors across the region to better guide micro and small entrepreneurs.

Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship Joey Concepcion shared a chat with President Rodrigo Duterte.

Myanmar’s icon of democracy Aung San Suu Kyi together with ASEAN Business Advisory Council Member Teresita Sy-Coson.

ASEAN BAC Chairpersons welcomed Her Excellency Aung San Suu Kyi to the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit 2017.

143 ASEAN Mentors are all ready to mentor micro and small entrepreneurs in order for them to scale up not just in their respective countries but also across the region.

I was honored to share the ASEAN Business Advisory Council’s mission of bringing prosperity for all across all sectors in the region. Right before the ASEAN Business Awards, I was invited to impart the 3Ms to the women entrepreneurs who attended the ASEAN Women Business Conference. During my talk, I shared the importance of Mentorship, Money and Market which we all think that will help all micro and small entrepreneurs scale up.

While money and market are equally important, for me, mentorship is the most powerful tool that can help MSMEs gain business acumen from mentors and business experts. Mentorship guides the micro and small entrepreneurs and also the young entrepreneurs.

I shared some wisdom to young entrepreneurs who actively participated in the ASEAN Youth Carnival. I shared my story: of how I started my business at 19, of how I was mentored by my father, and how creativity and passion can lead young individuals like them to success.

The goal of prosperity for all will be achieved if we exercise inclusivity. Medium and large corporations can include micro and small entrepreneurs in their supply chain by adopting an inclusive business model. This is why I reminded the delegates of the ASEAN Inclusive Business Summit that we need to continuously promote inclusivity amongst the business community.

Here are some highlights to these three successful Department of Trade and Industry-led summits:

ASEAN Business Awards Inclusive Business Winner Teodoro Ferrer of Erikagen Corporation shared their inclusive business model during the ASEAN inclusive Business Summit.